Rochester Memorial School Committee Chair Kate Duggan has been selected for the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship, a 10-month program focused on education policy and leadership development.
The fellowship is organized by the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy and brings together education leaders from across Massachusetts, according to a community announcement. Participants take part in virtual sessions and workshops examining education policy, equity and leadership, while hearing from state and federal policymakers about how education legislation is developed and implemented.
Duggan serves as chair of the Rochester Memorial School Committee and as director of research development at Northeastern University.
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson said the district is pleased that Duggan will participate in the fellowship cohort.
"Once again, we are excited to welcome an impressive group of fellows to participate in MEPF," said Chad d'Entremont, executive director for the Rennie Center. "In a fast-changing education policy environment, understanding how to navigate as a leader — and promote equitable access to opportunity for all students — is more important than ever before. The 2026-27 MEPF fellows bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our program, and we are excited to work with them over the coming year to explore the state education policy context, identify opportunities for improving education through policy change and build their networks in the education and policy communities."
The fellowship includes presentations and discussions with education experts, policymakers and government staff members, including former Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul Reville.
Duggan said participation in the fellowship aligns with her interest in advocating for rural public school districts.
"I am pursuing the MEPF fellowship to deepen my policy knowledge, expand my statewide network and elevate the challenges facing rural public schools on the Massachusetts policy agenda," Duggan said. "My service on the Rochester Memorial School Committee, inspired by my elementary and middle-grade children, has shaped my advocacy for small and rural districts navigating the structural funding pressures of Chapter 70, Circuit Breaker reimbursement and rural aid."
The fellowship cohort includes 30 participants from a range of professional backgrounds, including teachers, faculty members, school and district administrators, researchers, nonprofit leaders and state officials.
According to the announcement, the program is designed to help participants strengthen their policy expertise, leadership skills and professional networks while supporting efforts to improve educational opportunities for students.
Nelson said Duggan's participation could bring additional policy insight to the school committee and district.
"As an MEPF fellow, Kate will deepen her understanding of public policy making and bring a fresh perspective back to the Rochester Memorial School Committee," Nelson said. "This program offers her a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow education professionals and strengthen her leadership skills in a way that supports our schools. We look forward to hearing the knowledge Kate gains from MEPF and utilizing this as a resource for our school community."
The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy works to improve public education through research, evidence-based practices and informed policymaking. More information is available at www.renniecenter.org.
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This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Kate Duggan selected for Massachusetts education fellowship